Christmas in Guatemala

Christmas is a truly special time in Guatemala marked by rich traditions and foods and of course, an exceptional number of fireworks.  It all begins early in the month on December 7th with “La Quema del Diablo,” or the burning of the devil.  This custom is 500 years old and comes from the Virgin Mary’s victory over the devil.  It is said that the devil hides in all the old stuff within one’s house that they no longer use: old clothes, toys, papers, or furniture.  In Guatemala, in anticipation of this day, people clean out their houses of any garbage or unused items and pile it all on the street in front of their home.  Sometimes an entire neighborhood will make one big pile.  Then, at night fall, the pile of garbage is lit on fire and everyone celebrates the cleansing of the home of the devil’s presence around the bonfires.  Unfortunately, this tradition can cause a lot of damage to the environment and as a result has been restricted in some areas.  In Antigua for example, people are no longer allowed to burn trash in front of their homes.  In order to celebrate, a large wooden devil is constructed and burned in a controlled area while the entire town celebrates together. 

Find out more about the holiday traditions in Guatemala at On The Road Travel

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